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Born on a family farm in Wingmore near Elham in August 1929, Wallace was one of three children, including his late brother Bill and sister Jill, who he is now survived by.

He met his wife Mary through the Young Farmers Club dances and in 1960, they married at All Souls Church in Cheriton, where Wallace attended regularly.

The couple had three children – Beth, Robert and Matthew – and Wallace went on to become a grandfather and great grandfather.

Wallace Laker was married to his wife Mary for 49 years

‘A legend, inspiration, one in a million and loved by all’

Meg Brown, one of Wallace’s granddaughters, said: “A legend amongst many, loved by all and an inspiration to everyone he met. It’s an honour to call him my Grandad.”

Another granddaughter, Hannah Brown, said: “We knew Granddad was a popular man, well loved by everyone he met, we couldn’t go anywhere without him bumping into several people he knew on the way for a chat.

“He always had time for people and would always help those in need. He was one in a million, who inspired so many people to share his passion in the sport he so loved.”